Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in New Port Richey?

Short-term rentals are explicitly PROHIBITED in New Port Richey, Florida. The city's zoning regulations state that "all land uses not specifically permitted in residential districts are prohibited" and "there are no districts that specifically permit short term rentals." This means that operating any short-term rental property (rentals of less than 30 days) within New Port Richey city limits is illegal and subject to enforcement action.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in This Market

Given that short-term rentals are prohibited within New Port Richey city limits, investors have several alternatives:

Option 1: Adjacent Areas in Pasco County

Consider properties in unincorporated Pasco County outside New Port Richey city limits, where short-term rentals may be permitted through the county's conditional use process.

Option 2: Surrounding Municipalities

Explore nearby cities that allow short-term rentals, such as Port Richey (which has no limitations), or other Pasco County communities with more favorable regulations.

Option 3: Traditional Long-Term Rental Investment

Convert your New Port Richey investment to traditional long-term residential rental (30+ days), which is permitted in residential districts.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

For New Port Richey (Short-Term Rentals Prohibited)

• No permits available for short-term rentals within city limits
• Standard residential rental permits only for long-term rentals (30+ days)

For Pasco County (Outside New Port Richey City Limits)

If considering properties in unincorporated Pasco County:

State Requirements:

• Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation license as a transient public lodging establishment (if applicable)
• Florida Department of Revenue certificate for collecting and remitting tourist development taxes, sales surtaxes, and transient rental taxes

County Requirements:

• Conditional Use approval from Pasco County Board of County Commissioners
• Annual registration with County Administrator/designee
• Business tax certificate from Pasco County Tax Collector
• Management company information (name, contact details, 24/7 phone number)
• Chapter 509 Florida Statutes license copy for display

Specific Regulations

New Port Richey Municipal Regulations

• Prohibited Use: Short-term rentals are not a permitted use in any zoning district
• Enforcement: Violations subject to code enforcement under city ordinances
• Zoning Districts: All residential districts explicitly prohibit short-term rentals

Pasco County Regulations (For Reference)

For properties outside New Port Richey city limits in Pasco County:

Operational Standards:

• Maximum occupancy: Two persons per separate, enclosed bedroom
• Minimum rental period: Six days at a time
• Registration deadline: September 30th annually
• Inspection requirements: Annual inspections may be required

Posting Requirements:

• Display Chapter 509 license and business tax certificate on main entrance door
• Post emergency contact information and local regulations notice
• Maintain visitor log with names, addresses, and occupancy dates

Parking and Safety:

• One off-street parking space per three occupants
• Operable telephone with emergency contact information
• Compliance with Florida Building Code and Fire Code
• Carbon monoxide detectors, smoke detectors, and fire extinguishers required

Financial Obligations:

• Tourist Development Tax: 4% of total rental fee to Pasco County Tax Collector
• Annual registration fees
• Potential fines for violations up to $300 per day

Florida State-Level Regulations

• Registration requirements with statewide database
• 24/7 responsible party designation
• Safety compliance with state building and fire codes
• Tax collection and remittance requirements

Contact Information

New Port Richey Municipal Contact

New Port Richey City Hall

• No specific short-term rental contact available since STRs are prohibited
• General zoning inquiries: Contact city planning department

Pasco County Contacts (For County-Level Regulations)

Pasco County Zoning and Site Development Department

• Phone: (727) 847-8132
• Email: Contact through county website

Pasco County Tax Collector

• For business tax certificates and tourist development tax collection
• Contact through main county office

Pasco County Code Enforcement

• For violation reporting and enforcement
• Contact through main county office

State-Level Contacts

Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation

• For transient public lodging establishment licenses
• Website: MyFloridaLicense.com

Florida Department of Revenue

• For tax registration and collection requirements
• Website: floridarevenue.com

Important Considerations for Investors

Legal Risks

Operating a short-term rental in New Port Richey city limits exposes investors to significant legal risks, including:

• Immediate code enforcement action
• Daily fines and penalties
• Potential property liens
• Criminal charges for repeated violations

Investment Alternatives

Given the prohibition on short-term rentals, investors should consider:

• Traditional rental properties (30+ day leases)
• Seasonal rentals (3-6 month terms)
• Furnished long-term rentals to corporate clients
• Investments in nearby municipalities with favorable STR regulations

Market Reality

While New Port Richey prohibits short-term rentals, the broader Pasco County area, including nearby Port Richey, has more favorable regulations that may provide investment opportunities for short-term rental operators.

Source Links

• Pinellas REALTOR Short-Term Rental Restrictions: pinellasrealtor.org/short-term-rentals/
• Pasco County Land Development Code (Section 402.5): Referenced in provided content
• RedAwning Market Overview: www.redawning.com/pm/market-overview/port-richey-florida

This guide is based on regulations current as of the provided content. Always verify current regulations with local authorities before making investment decisions.